Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier used her season exit interview with reporters on Tuesday to address the mounting issues players and coaches have faced under Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s leadership, highlighting the league’s handling of officiating, player pay and accountability.

What did Napheesa Collier say about WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert?

“We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But right now we have the worst leadership in the world,” Collier said in a four-minute statement, turning her comments toward Engelbert.

The five-time WNBA All-Star also discussed the frustration both players and coaches have experienced with officiating calls and physical plays. After asking Engelbert how she plans to correct the problems, Collier said the commissioner replied, “Well, only the losers complain about the refs.”

The strains came to a head during the Lynx’s playoff series against the Phoenix Mercury, during which a collision left Collier injured. Coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected after blasting the league’s officiating as “dangerous”; Reeve was later fined $15,000 and suspended for a game. She is one of several coaches who have been punished for publicly criticizing the league.

Collier said officiating has now “reached levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity with which it operates.”

Star players increase league revenue, but low salaries remain

Many players also continue to struggle with the disparity between league revenue and their wages, a concern that Collier has also brought to Engelbert’s attention. Despite star players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers making waves in the league, their salaries remain low.

The commissioner had this to say about it: “Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because, without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,” and that players should be “on their knees thanking their lucky stars” for the league’s new 11-year media deal with Versant to have games aired on USA Network, ESPN reported.

Elsewhere in her statement, Collier, also a WNBPA vice president, said the league operates primarily on power, suppressing both players’ and coaches’ voices to stifle criticism: “I’m not concerned about a fine. I’m concerned about the future of our sport. … I will not stand quietly by.”

WNBA players and coaches speak out following Collier’s comments

Since her scathing remarks toward Engelbert, Collier has received leaguewide support in addressing the WNBA’s leadership. Several players and coaches defended her, agreeing that changes were needed.

“I think I agree with everything [Collier] said,” Lexie Hull, the Fever’s alternate player rep for the WNBPA, said before the team faced a do-or-die semifinal game against the Aces, according to ESPN. “We’re at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made, and so you’re seeing her talk about that, and really proud of her for making that statement today.”

The WNBPA also praised Collier for her remarks: “Napheesa Collier is an outstanding leader and Officer of this Union,” the WNBPA said in a statement. “When Phee speaks, people listen. We are confident that her words today speak to the feelings and experiences of many, if not most or all of our members. The leaders of the league and its teams would benefit from listening to her powerful statement. The players know their value even if the league does not. They are fighting for their legacy and the future of basketball.”

Fever coach Stephanie White, who is also a former WNBA player, commented as well, per ESPN: “I have a lot of respect for Phee. … I’m thankful that we have strong women that are willing to say the things that matter and say the things that will move the needle for change.”

Another Fever player, Sophie Cunningham, commented on an Instagram post regarding Engelbert’s remarks about Clark: “people only know Cathy because of [Caitlin]… She’s the most delusional leader our league has seen. … AND IT SHOULDN’T EVER BE ABOUT OUR COMMISSIONER IN THE FIRST PLACE.”

Las Vegas Aces star Aja Wilson, who won her fourth MVP Award, said she was “disgusted” by Engelbert’s comments and thankful that Collier shared her thoughts, per ESPN.

“I’m grateful to have those type of people to be able to continue to speak up for us,” Wilson said Tuesday night following the Aces’ advancement to the finals. “I’m going to ride with Phee always. Obviously, she’s a business girlie and she has her own stuff going on, but moving forward, we’ve gotta continue to stand on business as we talk about this CBA negotiation.”

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

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